Tool Porn: The Connex500

I don't know about you, but I just found out that it's possible to 3D print multiple materials at once. In the words of Will Smith, "I gotta get me one of these!!!" Objet's Connex500 can print up to 14 different materials during a single print job. Now, I'm not really sure when you would need to print with 14 different materials at once—but, hey, I like options.

Not only does the Connex500 print Halo action figures, but it can print translucent and opaque materials in the same object.

Just look at that tray of multi-material print jobs and tell me that's not worth the price of a car (note: no actual price is listed for the Connex500 on the web). It even prints in rubber, for all your Hot Wheels needs.

Dave Seliger is a Postgrad Fellow in Logistics and Ext Affairs at the NYC Office of Emergency Management. He has extensive experience helping firefighters, police officers, and disaster responders improve their services through design.

7 Comments

Hi - great post! Just wanted to update you that we have a new video clip showing how we actually create the Halo Spartan models on the Objet Connex 3D printer: http://youtu.be/zMy8MkHiEqw Also our new, attractively priced Objet260 Connex was released just this June. Check it out in action here: http://youtu.be/ZbRlDBScDz4

We are a rapid prototyping equipment and services company selling all Objet systems. This technology is by far the most powerful 3d printing system on the market. Recently the Connex 260 was released and the price point is much lower than posted above. Check us out. www.kemeera.com. If you can't afford a system and would like to get some parts built we would be more than happy to help you out. The suit from Iron Man was made on this machine along with all the models from the movie Coraline.

Hollis is right, depending on how good your haggling skills are and the overall material package you want, you may be able to get to get the price down some; but its definitely in the low 200K range. On the upside thats better than paying 500K for engineering and a limited production run for a design that isn't fully flushed out.

My company purchased the Connex500 2 years ago, and it has defiantly been worth the price. When ever a new client comes in we show them the "master chief" and it blows them away. We have kept that machine booked almost solid with prototypes since we got it.

My company looked into Objet printers and the Connex500 is the Cadillac of this kind of 3d printer technology. Your looking at an easy 250,000 price tag (a little more then your regular car price). Sorry to burst your bubble.